Burkina Faso's Lt Col Isaac Zida named prime minister

Lt Col Zida handed over as head of state to Michel Kafando on Monday

The authorities in Burkina Faso have appointed an army officer, Lt Col Isaac Zida, as transitional prime minister. 

Col Zida had been among officers who took power when then President Blaise Compaore was forced to resign on 31 October during mass protests.
He declared himself head of state but on Tuesday oversaw the swearing-in of former Foreign Minister Michel Kafando as interim president.

The moves followed agreement on a year-long transition to elections.
The transitional charter imposes tight controls on the powers of the interim president. It will see an interim legislative chamber installed until elections are organised next year.
Col Zida is now expected to hold talks on forming a government.

 

 Col Zida had been an officer in former President Compaore's presidential guard

Mr Compaore first seized power in a coup in 1987 and went on to win four disputed elections.
Tens of thousands of people protested in Ouagadougou in October against moves to allow him to extend his rule.

Correspondents say the army has been given credit for averting chaos but the appointment of Col Zida may raise doubts about its promise to restore civilian rule.
Some people also regard Col Zida as part of the old order - he was a senior officer in Mr Compaore's presidential guard.